Rwanda Rugby

Murakaza neza

Rwanda Rugby
News 

Rwanda Rugby Union and Partners Organize 10th Edition of the Genocide Memorial International Sevens Tournament 2024.

Rwanda Rugby Federation

Kigali, June 8, 2024 – The Rwanda Rugby Union, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda National Olympic Solidarity Committee (RNOSC), successfully organized the 10th Edition of the Genocide Memorial International Sevens Tournament. This event took place at the Camp Kigali playground in Nyarugenge from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Rwanda is commemorating at 30th times, the Genocide against the Tutsis, and the Genocide Memorial Tournament marks its 10th edition in Rugby. This tournament honors all victims of the Genocide, with a special focus on the sports community.

The tournament featured participation from 16 teams, including 10 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams. Uganda was represented by two teams: Rams RUFC and Kigezi Queens RFC. The teams were divided into three groups for the men’s category and two groups for the women’s category as follows:
Genocide Memorial International Rugby Sevens Aside Tournament 2024 Fixtures
Men’s Groups:
Group A
• Lions de Fer RFC
• UR Grizzlies RFC
• Puma RFC
Group B
• Rams RUFC (Uganda)
• Muhanga Thunders RFC
• UR Rukara RFC
Group C
• Kigali Sharks RFC
• Resilience RFC
• Burera Tigers
• Rwamagana Hippos RFC
Women’s Groups:
Group A
• Kigezi Queens WRFC (Uganda)
• UR Grizzlies WRFC
• Burera Tigers WRFC
Group B
• Kamonyi Panthers WRFC
• UR Rukara WFC
• Ruhango Zebras WRFC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-Finals:
Men’s:
• Lions de Fer 24-07 Kigali Sharks
• Rams RUFC (Uganda) 17-00 Resilience RFC

Women’s:
• Burera Tigers 00-15 Kamonyi Panthers
• Kigezi Queens 00-05 Ruhango Zebras
Third Place Matches:
Men’s:
• Kigali Sharks 00-19 Resilience RFC
Women’s:
• Kigezi Queens (Uganda) 00-05 Burera Tigers.

Burera Tigers RFC Women’s Second Runner Up
Ruhango Zebras Women’s RFC Runner up.
Kamonyi Panthers Women’s RFC Champion of GMT 7s 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finals:
Women’s:
• The Kamonyi Panthers defeated the Ruhango Zebras via a tombola after both teams finished the game tied at 5-5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men’s:• Rams RUFC (Uganda) emerged as champions after defeating Lions de Fer RFC 24-07.

RRF Vice President Philip GAKIRAGE Presenting the Trophy to the Lions de Fer RFC Runner up GMT 7s 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RNOSC SG, RRF EXCO , Officials, Runner up Lions de Fer RFC and Champion Rams Rufc.

 

 

 

 

 

Rams RUFC Captain Ayuma Joseph Kano stated, “The secret to our victory is hard work and determination. We had been defeated in Rwanda many times in the finals, but this year, we were determined to succeed, and we achieved it.”
Kamonyi Panthers RFC Captain Tumusabire Clémence commented, “The Genocide Commemoration Competition helps us to understand and reflect on the history our country has endured, motivating us to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
Mr. Kamanda concluded by saying, “In the 30-year journey since the Genocide against the Tutsis, rugby has played a significant role in promoting unity and reconciliation. This sport is played in fellowship, and we have actively participated in helping those in need who were affected by the Genocide.”
Following this tournament, the Championship Final of the Men’s and Women’s Rugby National League 15s Aside 2024 will be held next weekend on Sunday, June 16, 2024. In the men’s game, Kigali Sharks will compete against Gitisi TSS for 3rd place, while Lions de Fer RFC will play against Resilience RFC for first position . In the women’s category, Kamonyi Panthers will play against Ruhango Zebras.

Rwanda Rugby Federation

The Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) as the umbrella organisation that unites the entire rugby fraternity in Rwanda. RRF has been administering, developing and generally organising all rugby activities since 2002, not only through out Rwanda but on the continental level as well. The RRF has since grown further countrywide with over 800 active players, 300 female players, a robust fun club, ardent well wishers and intensive involvement in the development of the game in over 240 schools from all districts in Rwanda not to mention the RRF’s participation in community projects.

X